Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has revealed his tactical plan to limit Victor Osimhen when the Italian giants face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League playoff. The first leg is scheduled at RAMS Park on Tuesday night, where Osimhen is expected to lead the Turkish side’s attack.
The Nigerian striker has been in extraordinary form, scoring six goals in six Champions League matches this season. His attacking partner, Mauro Icardi, has also impressed, most recently scoring a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 4-0 victory over Eyüpspor under coach Okan Buruk. Spalletti recognizes the danger the pair presents and emphasized the need to disrupt their rhythm early.
“As strikers, Osimhen and Icardi are top-quality players who bring different strengths,” Spalletti said during the pre-match press conference. “When they combine, they create serious problems. One striker disrupts the defence while the other exploits the spaces.
“They are exceptionally talented. Our goal will be to keep them away from the ball as much as possible. Galatasaray’s overall quality makes this a tough challenge for us.”
Juventus are likely to adopt a compact defensive structure, prioritizing ball recovery and limiting long balls that could release Osimhen behind the defence. Midfielders will play a crucial role in intercepting passes and cutting off supply lines. The focus will be on maintaining defensive discipline and forcing Galatasaray into low-percentage shots.
Tuesday’s encounter promises high stakes as Juventus aim to secure a solid result at RAMS Park before the return leg. Successfully neutralizing Osimhen will be central to their chances of progressing further in the Champions League.
